‘To the hounds, John!’ he gasped as he stepped into the crazy craft. At the word the old man pushed off and bent to his work with wondrous vigour.
‘Have you viewed the otter?’
‘No, sir, I haven’t, but I spurred un.’
‘You spurred him? When?’
‘Soon aifter break o’ day.’
‘You did?’
‘Iss, sir, sure as you’re standin’ on they starn sheets.’
‘What! the big otter?’
‘Iss, sir. The King Oter, I call him.’
‘Then why didn’t you bring word?’